He says "we can continue to make the show exactly as we have from the beginning." The official word:

AMC and Lionsgate today announced thereturn of the iconic series "Mad Men" for seasons five and six withseries creator Matthew Weiner back on board as showrunner.Concurrently, it was announced that Weiner has signed a new long-termdeal with Lionsgate, extending into a possible seventh season. Theannouncements were made by Charlie Collier, president of AMC, and KevinBeggs, president of Lionsgate Television Group.

CBS announced today the launch of #CBSTweetWeek, starting this Sunday, April 3 and running through Monday, April 11. For eight nights, fans of the CBS Television Network's primetime series, entertainment specials and sports events will be able to log on to their Twitter accounts or CBS.com to watch some of their favorite actors, musicians and sports analysts tweet live during the broadcast of their respective programs. Throughout the shows, fans will be given special first-hand commentary and the opportunity to submit questions.

The official word: A record 39 recipients of the 70th Annual Peabody Awards were announced today by the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The winners, chosen by the Peabody board as the best in electronic media for the year 2010, were named in a ceremony in the Peabody Gallery on the University of Georgia campus. . . .

The latest Peabody winners reflect diversity in content, genre and sources of origination. The recipients included The Pacific, an epic HBO miniseries about American soldiers and sailors fighting in the Pacific theater of World War II; Men of a Certain Age, TNT’s world-wise comedy-drama about three middle-aged pals; Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian, an Independent Lens documentary that entertained as it set the checkered cinematic record straight; and The Moth Radio Hour, where the ancient art of storytelling is honored and expanded weekly.

The official word: The captivating and inspirational story of a small town boy who became a pop phenomenon through sheer talent and determination takes the stage when the feature film JUSTIN BIEBER: Never Say Never debuts on Blu-ray/DVD Combo and DVD Friday, May 13, 2011, from Paramount Home Entertainment. JUSTIN BIEBER: Never Say Never follows Bieber’s journey from his early years to his rise from break-out internet sensation to global superstar, culminating in a sold-out show at the famed Madison Square Garden. Incorporating personal home footage that chronicles Bieber’s prodigious talent from early childhood, the film also features all-star musical performers. JUSTIN BIEBER: Never Say Never is the highest grossing concert-themed film ever in U.S. history, having earned more than $72.2 million at the domestic box office, surpassing the lifetime domestic grosses of Michael Jackson’s This Is It.

The JUSTIN BIEBER: Never Say Never Blu-ray/DVD Combo with Digital Copy and standard DVD include a concert dance off that was not shown in theaters in which Bieber and his crew show off their amazing moves, a full-length concert performance of “Favorite Girl” from the Director’s Fan Cut of the film, footage of Justin’s team surprising lucky fans with free concert tickets and a final farewell to Bieber’s signature hairstyle.

The official word: He may have tiger’s blood, but does he have the eye of the tiger necessary to excel at the formidable art of improv? Charlie Sheen joins the fun during the premiere week of DREW CAREY’S IMPROV-A-GANZA, a new original, primetime daily strip series that premieres Monday, April 11, 2011, at 8pm & 11pm ET/PT on GSN. Sheen will appear in the episode airing Tuesday, April 12.

In an impromptu appearance, Sheen joined Carey and the cast of DREW CAREY’S IMPROV-A-GANZA live onstage when the 40-episode series was taping live improv performances at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in January and February 2011.

Above, a new chat about "DWTS" with Lynne Sherwin. After the jump, you will find my notes from last night's performance show. Below those, I have re-posted my notes about the individual performances from Monday night. Now, on to the jump.

By all accounts, I should like "Body of Proof," the ABC drama premiering tonight. The cast is full of people with impressive resumes, not only star Dana Delany but character actors John Carroll Lynch and Sonja Sohn. It has that "House"/"Lie to Me"/"Bones" thing of an extremely smart but socially challenged character trying to right wrongs -- and I watch all those shows I just mentioned -- but Delany plays her character with a benign cheerfulness that makes he seem even more intimidating than some of her TV predecessors; she's so smart that she is not so much contemptible of less knowing people as she is amused by them.*

I am still trying to figure out whether the Comedy Central revivals make my old complete-series box more or less collectible. Anyway, the official word:

The future is looking bright for Fry, Leela and Bender! COMEDY CENTRAL and Twentieth Century Fox Television have announced today the pick-up of 26 new episodes (Seasons "7-A" and "7-B") of Matt Groening and David X. Cohen's brilliantly subversive animated sci-fi comedy, "Futurama." The announcement was made today by Twentieth Century Fox Television Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden, and David Bernath, Executive Vice President, program strategy and multiplatform programming for COMEDY CENTRAL. The first installment of 13 new episodes will premiere in the summer of 2012, with the additional 13 new episodes to air the following summer of 2013 on COMEDY CENTRAL.

Regular readers know I have questioned some of the sell-out talk around Charlie Sheen's tour. And, when I checked over the weekend, you could still get two seats together on the floor, from the Cleveland venue. Now CNBC has also questioned the sell-out claims here.

AMC hypes "The Killing" with real-life case vignettes, including the Zodiac Killer, Black Dahliar, JonBenet Ramsey, Marilyn Sheppard (Sam's wife) more. I am trying to find out which night the Sheppard item will run. The vignettes will air sometime during the 8 p.m. prime-time movies on AMC.

WHAT: Presented by State Farm, the “Agents on a Mission” tour hits the road with Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” this spring when four-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen and best friend Mater join master British spy Finn McMissile—life-size remote-controlled models that race around, light up and rev for fans.

The official word: Viewers can relive the darkest and most dangerous season yet when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season to Blu-ray™ and DVD on June 7th -- just prior to the start of the show’s fourth season. The critically acclaimed AMC series stars Bryan Cranston, winner of three Best Actor Emmys for his role as Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug dealer and Aaron Paul (TV’s “Big Love”), Emmy winner (Best Supporting Actor) for his portrayal as Walter’s partner-in-crime, Jesse Pinkman. Breaking Bad also stars Anna Gunn (TV’s “Deadwood”), Dean Norris (Terminator 2: Judgment Day), Betsy Brandt (TV’s “Back When We Were Grownups”), and RJ Mitte. All 13 episodes will be included on both Blu-ray and DVD. The third season release is packed with special features including deleted scenes, outtakes, cast & crew commentary on nine episodes, five all-new behind-the-scenes featurettes, 20 episodes of Inside Breaking Bad and much more! Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season DVD will be available for $39.95 SRP, while the Blu-ray release will sell for $49.95 SRP.

Continues after the jump.
Created by writer/director/producer Vince Gilligan (TV’s “The X-Files”), who also serves as executive producer with Academy Award® winner Mark Johnson (Rain Man, 1988 Best Picture), Breaking Bad follows the story of Walter White (Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who discovers he is dying of lung cancer. Desperate to pay for his cancer treatments and to secure his family’s financial security, Walt discovers a new sense of fearlessness. He teams with former student, now drug dealer Jesse Pinkman (Paul) to use his scientific knowledge for financial gain, but soon finds he’s trapped in a sinister world of drugs and crime. Breaking Bad will return for its fourth season on July 17th.

The official word: FOX has renewed critically acclaimed thrilling drama FRINGE for a fourth season, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company.

“FRINGE has truly hit a creative stride and has distinguished itself as one of television’s most original programs. The series’ ingenious producers, amazingly talented cast and crew, as well as some of the most passionate and loyal fans on the planet, made this fourth-season pickup possible,” said Reilly. “When we moved the show to Fridays, we asked the fans to follow and they did. We’re thrilled to bring it back for another full season and keep it part of the FOX family.”

The Al Pacino "Scarface" will cost $34.98 for a Blu-ray package with some extras and, for a numbered, cigar-humidor gift package, $999.99. The official word:

With machine guns blazing, the explosive underworld epic Scarface arrives on Blu-ray Hi-Def September 6, 2011 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Considered one of the most influential gangster films ever made, Scarface’s gritty depiction of Tony Montana’s lethal ambition has made it a cultural touchstone that spans generations. Now, fans can experience the film’s raw power in the newly restored, high-resolution, high-definition picture and explosive 7.1 audio for the first time ever. Exclusive new bonus content created especially for this release reveals the film’s iconic legacy as one of the greatest crime sagas of all time.

The boxing drama, which I often found impressive in its first season, is not getting a second. As a note from FX said:

FX will not be moving forward with a second season of the critically acclaimed drama series Lights Out. FX will air the final two episodes of the current season in its regularly scheduled time period, Tuesdays at 10 PM E/P (March 29 and April 5).

The official word: SNL springs into April with back-to-back shows starting April 2 with Elton John pulling double duty as host and sharing the musical guest stage with Leon Russell.

Elton John will make his hosting debut on April 2, and return as musical guest with Leon Russell. It will be John’s second appearance and first time back to the 8H stage since 1982. John and Russell’s latest studio album, “The Union,” was released October 19, 2010 to rave reviews.

I was out of of the office yesterday, mostly doing graduate-student business, but I did catch up with some TV, including the first performance round of the latest season of "Dancing With the Stars." Kind of a same-old-same-old beginning: Kendra Wilkinson instead of Holly Madison, Psycho instead of Steve-O, Hines instead of Emmitt, and so on. But there are still the individual dances, and the chance to discuss. In fact, even though the bride was out of town for a conference, she watched it there and we texted comments back and forth during the show.

Anyway, here are some short takes on the contestants, in alphabetical order.

The official word: Syfy is ordering a second season of its new hit drama series Being Human, it was announced today by Mark Stern President of Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head of Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. Since the show’s January 17 launch, premiere episodes of Being Human have averaged 1.8 million viewers making it Syfy’s most successful winter season scripted series launch in 6 years. Also, with women comprising 53% of the total audience for premiere episodes, it is the channel’s most female-skewing scripted series ever.

Through its first nine weeks on Syfy, and including repeat broadcasts, Being Human has been seen by 19.1 million total unique viewers.

The official word: NBC has issued pickups for three returning comedy series in 2011-12 that include “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Community,” it was announced today by Bob Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

"I am so pleased to renew these three outstanding comedies which are all at the top of their game creatively,” said Greenblatt. “Along with '30 Rock,' they represent the best of what the NBC comedy brand stands for in terms of originality, wit, and sophistication. 'The Office' continues to fire on all cylinders on the most competitive night of television; 'Parks & Recreation' has come into its own this season as the rightful companion to 'The Office'; and 'Community' is one of the freshest comedies on any network and a solid foundation for Thursday night."

You may be aware of my reservations about discussing Charlie Sheen, which boil down to not knowing if/when something really horrible will happen to him. But then he added Cleveland to his tour, and so became local news. As a result, we will have more Sheen notes in this space.

I did get a ticket to the Sheen show today, although not one of the packages that let you meet Charlie (which costs $568 plus fees). And, as of an hour after the tickets went on sale, it was not quite sold out -- though it appeared to be well on its way. And that could be one hideous night for traffic, since "Les Miserables" is opening a Cleveland run in a theater adjacent to Sheen's venue, and the Indians are playing the Red Sox nearby.

The official word: Tickets go on sale at 11 am, Fri., March 18, for JON STEWART, host of the multiple-Emmy-winning “The Daily Show,” who returns to PlayhouseSquare after a seven-year absence. Stewart’s comedy concert will be SAT., APRIL 30th for one 7:30 pm show in the Palace Theatre. Tickets will be $75, $65, $55 & $45, on sale at playhousesquare.org, the Ticket Office or by calling 216-241-6000.

Jon Stewart reigns as America’s top social and comedic voice…a title qualified by a win of the prestigious Peabody Award. Stewart’s edgy satire ventures beyond politicians, celebrities and governments to give no quarter to the shortcoming of reporters and network senior correspondents as well. In addition to being a creative consultant for other sitcoms, a best-selling author, TV and film actor…he occasionally manages to find time to practice the talent that jump-started his career: stand-up comedy.

The official word: FOX sizzles this summer with the return of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, HELL’S KITCHEN and MASTERCHEF.

Back for an eighth season this summer, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE kicks off with a two-hour premiere Thursday, May 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Hosted by Cat Deeley, the hit dance competition series will inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom compete to be named America’s Favorite Dancer. This season’s auditions feature resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, as well as guest judges Robin Antin, Lil C, Tyce Diorio, Toni Redpath and Jason Gilkison. Once the auditions conclude, weekly two-hour performance shows will air Wednesdays (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), and weekly results shows will air Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), followed by encore episodes of GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Rare is the couple that has looked as doomed as Brad and Emily did on last night's "After the Final Rose." They tried to maintain the illusion of a workable relationship while sounding as if they had anything but that. This looked much more like a contractual-obligation vow of love, followed in a week by an off-camera break-up.

But the "Bachelor" franchises don't like to deal in ugly truths. Witness Brad's awkward explanation of why he kept going with other women long after he had settled on Emily. He, and the show, simply can't say, "Look, we are committed to keeping this going for a certain number of episodes, and maintaining some suspense, so there's a fair amount of play-acting by the Bachelor."

The official word: REELZCHANNEL—TV About Movies today announced it will unveil as a World Premiere, the eight-part movie event “The Kennedys” starring Greg Kinnear, Barry Pepper, Katie Holmes and Tom Wilkinson on the network beginning Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 8pm ET and at 8pm PT. The World Premiere begins with Episodes 1 and 2 airing back-to-back.

The official word: TNT has unveiled its summer schedule, including the Monday, July 11, return of basic cable’s top two series of all time: The Closer, starring 2010 Emmy® winner Kyra Sedgwick, and Rizzoli & Isles, starring Angie Harmon (Law & Order) and Sasha Alexander (NCIS). TNT’s summer lineup also includes the network’s two newest series, with the two-hour Sunday, June 19, premiere of the science fiction drama series Falling Skies, starring Noah Wyle (ER) and produced by DreamWorks Television and executive-producer Steven Spielberg, and the Wednesday, June 1, premiere of the light-hearted legal drama series Franklin & Bash, starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar (NYPD Blue) and Breckin Meyer (Road Trip). Also returning this summer are the TNT original series Men of a Certain Age, Leverage, HawthoRNe and Memphis Beat.

Below is a complete rundown of TNT’s original series premiere schedule for summer 2011. Artwork for TNT’s original series can be accessed through the following link: http://news.turner.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=61.

The official word: Today at the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention, MTV announced it will premiere an original TV movie based on the tragic, true-life story of Abraham Biggs. The film is part of MTV’s multi-year “A THIN LINE” campaign, which empowers America’s youth to draw their own line between digital use and digital abuse. Additionally, the network today announced that it has assembled a new coalition to address discrimination-based bullying online.

I have some comments about the redemption duel on Thursday, after the jump. But first, the series has been renewed for two more rounds. The official word: CBS has ordered two more editions of SURVIVOR to be broadcast during the 2011-2012 season. These will mark the 23rd and 24th editions of television's longest-running hit reality competition series.

Additionally, Emmy Award-winner Jeff Probst has signed a new agreement to continue as host and as an executive producer for the 23rd and 24th editions. Probst has hosted SURVIVOR since its inception.

The more I think about this movie, the more I like it. And I liked it very much to begin with.

The official word: “A great film that will stand the test of time” (Film.com), Academy Award®-winning directors Joel and Ethan Coen’s (No Country For Old Men) “vastly entertaining” (Rolling Stone) and epic tale of frontier justice TRUE GRIT debuts in a Blu-ray™/DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy and on standard DVD June 7, 2011 from Paramount Home Entertainment. The gritty and memorable film has been embraced by audiences and critics alike, earning over $165 million at the U.S. box office, nominated for 10 Academy Awards and named by more than 75 reviewers as one of the top 10 films of the year. Jeff Bridges stars as Rooster Cogburn, an irascible U.S. Marshal hired by a 14-year-old girl (newcomer Hailee Steinfeld) to bring her father’s killer (Josh Brolin) to justice. Matt Damon is an overzealous Texas Ranger who is also tracking the killer, hoping to capture him and bring him to trial for another murder.

With "Don't Stop Believin'" even more of a mainstay, is this a surprise?

The official word: JOURNEY, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, is gearing up to unleash their latest album of brand new material, Eclipse. The album will be released in the U.S. and Canada on May 24 exclusively at Walmart and beginning June 3 in Europe on Frontiers Records. To follow the release of Eclipse, Journey will launch the "Eclipse Tour" with Foreigner, and special guest Night Ranger, beginning July 21 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT. Fans can expect to hear new songs from Eclipse as well as classics such as Don't Stop Believin', Any Way You Want It, Faithfully, Lights, Separate Ways, Wheel In The Sky, and many more. The "Eclipse Tour" dates are listed below.

The official word: As preparations for the final battle commence, Harry Potter fans can do their part by joining Harry Potter: The Quest, a global online adventure celebrating Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ - Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ - Part 2.

Harry Potter fans can register now for Harry Potter: The Quest in advance of the Blu-rayTM, DVD and Digital Distribution release of Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 1 on April 15th. Harry Potter: The Quest will continue through the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Distribution later this year.

This is the version without Skeet Ulrich, and with Alfred Molina's character changed from prosecutor to detective. The official word:

NBC’s freshman series “Law & Order: Los Angeles” will return to the regular lineup with a two-hour original premiere on Monday, April 11 (9-11 p.m. ET). The crime drama procedural will resume in its regular day and time on Monday, April 18 (10-11 p.m. ET).

From the official word: HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER has been renewed through the 2012-2013 season as part of a multi-year broadcast agreement between CBS Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Television.

"We are so proud of this show and all of its creative and ratings achievements," said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. "HIMYM’s brilliant producing team continues to find inventive ways to tell funny stories that stir pop culture conversation; it has become a go-to destination for top guest stars and its amazing ensemble cast brings to life characters that audiences want to hang out with every Monday night."

The Artist Also Known As Jennifer Lopez's Husband will reprise his role as "Police Detective Nick Renata, the character he introduced as a guest star in two episodes last season."

The official word: Grammy-winning recording artist and actor Marc Anthony has joined the cast of TNT’s HAWTHORNE, the powerful drama series starring and executive-produced by Jada Pinkett Smith (The Women, The Matrix trilogy). Anthony will reprise the newly expanded role of Police Detective Nick Renata, the character he introduced as a guest star in two episodes last season. HAWTHORNE is scheduled to return for its third season this June.

The official word: Michael Riley, president, ABC Family, announced today the network’s 2011 summer schedule. For the first time in its seven-year history of original programming, the network’s slate will be expanded to offer viewers three nights of original programming this summer, including four new original series, three returning hit series and original movies, in addition to showcasing blockbuster theatrical acquisitions. . . .

[Returners include "Pretty Little Liars," "Melissa & Joey," "Secret Life of the American Teenager." Show details after the jump.

Having seen "The Yakuza," "Taxi Driver," "Obsession," "Rolling Thunder" (where Tommy Lee Jones has one of the great lines in movies), "Blue Collar," "Hardcore," "American Gigolo," "Raging Bull," "Cat People," "Light of Day" and still more of Schrader's work as writer and/or director, I would have loved to talk to the guy. Unfortunately, my interview request was turned down. So here's the official word:

Filmmaker Paul Schrader, whose screenwriting credits include TAXI DRIVER and RAGING BULL and whose directorial credits include AMERICAN GIGOLO and AUTO FOCUS, will appear in person on Friday, March 18 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Boulevard in University Circle, www.cia.edu/cinematheque. Schrader will answer audience questions after a rare theatrical showing of his 1987 rock 'n' roll movie LIGHT OF DAY, filmed in Cleveland (and University Circle) 25 years ago with stars Michael J. Fox, Joan Jett, and Gena Rowlands. Tickets cost $15, Cinematheque members $10. Full-price tickets can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com.

After the jump, I have posted the mini-bios Fox provided on the Top 13, which also include their Facebook, MySpace and Twitter addresses. And here's some data about upcoming shows:

On Wednesday, March 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), America’s Top 13 will take the stage to perform songs by their favorite artists. Tune in the following night, Thursday, March 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), to the live results show to see performances by Adam Lambert and Diddy-Dirty Money with Skylar Grey and to find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who is sent home.

Because I was at a movie last night -- "The Adjustment Bureau," by the way, which I liked a lot -- and had a class tonight, I did not catch up with "American Idol's" Top 24 in the entirety until tonight. But this evening I watched the men and the women, and the judges, back to back.

General comments: Much prefer the three-judge format to four. Seems to move along better. Randy deciding to be tough judge is interesting, but I wonder how long it will last. There seemed a general desire to be kind by the judges on both nights. And Randy is devolving into catch phrases, including "That's how you do it." And Steven says "beautiful" way too much (especially when the performances are not). Of course, the show appears to still be fine-tuning; on Tuesday, the judges' comments were in the same order each time -- Steven, Jennifer, Randy -- while tonight they rotated the order of comments.

"El Topo" and "The Holy Mountain" will have an MSRP of $34.99 each. The official word: El Topo and The Holy Mountain, the ground-breaking cult classics from director Alejandro Jodorowsky, are among the most sought-after film titles yet to be released on Blu-ray™. El Topo is credited with starting the Midnight Movie phenomenon more than 40 years ago. To this day, both films continuously screen at art houses, museums and film festivals throughout the world.

In 2006, following the restoration and remastering of both films to HD, El Topo and The Holy Mountain were shown in the Special Events section at the prestigious 44th Annual New York Film Festival. The films, originally made in the 1970’s in Mexico, were restored and remastered under the close supervision of Jodorowsky himself. That same year both films were featured in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes International Film Festival. El Topo was screened before a black-tie audience at Salle Bunuel in the Palais des Festivals and The Holy Mountain was honored with the prized “Centerpiece Screening,” which was held for the first time ever on the beach at sundown.